Despite a widespread labor shortage and supply chain concerns, 58.76% of rd+d readers surveyed said they are able to find qualified contractors and subcontractors to partner with, according to a survey of readers fielded in April.
However, the picture is not entirely rosy. Another 18.56% of rd+d readers notes that were not able to find qualified contractors and subcontractors to partner with. Slightly more — 22.68% — said the situation was more complicated than a straightforward yes or no answer.
Among those that elaborated, most said it was dependent on the area or region they were working in. But others noted that everything is “more expensive,” contractors are “too busy for smaller projects” or simply “too busy” in general to take on more work. Some said they are working with contractors but “not the normal ones; everyone is busy.”
The labor shortage and supply chain concerns are leading to delays for rd+d reader projects. They noted “long lead times on materials and labor” that “slows down the timeframe” on projects. One reader noted: “Everybody has scarce resources, so it’s all about timing.”
For more, check out Contractors Dish!, a roundtable on the state of restaurant construction.
rd+d’s ongoing research project periodically surveys qualified subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. This survey was fielded in April 2022.